10 Remarkable Nigeria Facts Every Nigerian Should Know

Nigeria is a West African country that borders the Chad Republic and Niger on the north, the Atlantic Ocean on the south, the Benin Republic on the west, and Cameroon on the east. The country’s terrain changes from the Niger Delta that is oil-rich in the southern part of the savanna-covered high plateaus found in the north. Down towards the coast is the rain forest belt region. In spite of some minor political instabilities and the insecurity witnessed in Nigeria, there are several interesting facts about Nigeria that are worthy of mention. Below are 10 Remarkable Nigeria Facts anyone planning to visit the country will find interesting.

Africa’s Most Populated Country

With a population of over 160 million people, Nigeria is Africa’s most populated country, as well as the 8th most populated in the entire world. This means that for every seven Africans, one is a Nigerian. Ethiopia is the next African nation to come close, whose population count of 84 million is merely about half that of Nigeria.

Over 250 Ethnic Groups

One interesting fact about Nigeria is her multi-ethnicity. Nigeria boasts of over 250 ethnic groups and tribes. However, three tribes are the most dominant, namely, the Igbo that makes up 18% of the population, the Yoruba that makes up 21% and the Hausa-Fulani the largest one with 29%.

Main Religions are Islam and Christianity

In Nigeria, the main religions are Christianity and Islam. The country is divided roughly into two religious organizations, with the south having almost exclusively Christians, and the north having Muslims. The Igbos found in the southeast are mainly Christians, while the Hausa-Fulani inhabiting northern Nigeria are mainly Muslims. In addition, southern Nigeria is more urbanized and westernized when compared to the north.

Derived Name from West Africa’s Longest River

Nigeria derives her name from river Niger, which is the largest and longest river in West Africa. The river covers a distance of about 2,600 miles (4,180 km) from its source in the Highlands of Guinea, inside south-eastern Guinea. It follows its course in a crescent through Niger, Mali, along the border with Benin, then getting into Nigeria. The river eventually empties its water into the Atlantic Ocean via the Gulf of Guinea after passing through a huge delta referred to as the Niger Delta.

One of Human Existence’s Oldest Locations

According to evidence from archaeological sites and discoveries, Nigeria has a history of human existence that has been dated back as far as 9000 BC. The Nok civilization is the earliest civilization in the country, which took place around 500 BC up to 200 AD.

Home of Nollywood – Nigeria’s Movie Industry

Nollywood is a term used to refer to the Nigerian movie industry. Recently, it has been ranked as the second largest movie industry in the world, coming second only to the Indian film industry called Bollywood, and ahead of America’s Hollywood. Every single week, about 200 Nollywood movies are produced, and since 2005, they have won half of the yearly African awards for best picture.

Largest Butterfly Diversity

Nigeria boasts as being the most appropriate habitat of the largest diversity in the world of butterflies, the most colorful creatures. The areas that surround Calabar, Cross River State, located in the country’s southern region, are widely believed to harbor the largest diversity of butterflies in the world.

Number of Universities in Ogun State

Ogun State is one of the states located in the western part of Nigeria. It has a total of nine registered universities, making it the state with the highest number of such institutions of higher learning in the country.

Africa’s Longest Bridge

Measuring about 11.8 kilometers, the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State is Africa’s longest bridge, and it connects Lagos Island with the Mainland. It begins from Oworonshoki that is linked to the Lagos-Ibadan expressway and the Apapa-Oshodi expressway, ending at the Adeniji Adele interchange found in Lagos Island. Midway across the bridge, there is also a link leading to the Herbert Macaulay Way at Yaba. This bridge was constructed by Julius Berger Nigeria PLC and officially opened in 1990 by the then President Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida.

One of the Largest Producers Of Crude Oil

This seems to be one of the most recognized Nigerian facts. Nigeria is the world’s 12th largest crude oil producer and also the 8th largest exporter, producing on average 2,525,000 barrels daily. The country also has the 10th largest proven petroleum reserves worldwide. Oil plays a vital role in the nation’s economy, contributing to over 85% of the entire government revenue. This seems to be one of the most widely recognized Nigerian facts.